Joseph Robert Bailey, 97, of East Branch, died Friday, Oct. 18, 2024 at Delaware Valley Hospital, Walton, after an illness. He was born Feb. 17, 1927 in Brooklyn, the son of Joseph and Matilda (Herberisth) Bailey.
Joseph lived in Brooklyn and was drafted into the Army during his senior year of high school. He served in Berlin during World War II, was honorably discharged, and returned home to graduate from high school. Joe joined the Nassau County Sheriffs and served as a police officer for 40 years, retiring from the 7th precinct. He moved to Sayre, Pennsylvania, following retirement. He was a 50+ year member of the Masonic Mountain Lodge #529, Windham.
Joseph married Eileen Mary Brown on June 18, 1948 and together they had two children, Robert Franklin and Alice Eileen. Eileen predeceased Joe Jan. 5, 2000.
Joseph married Rita Reynolds Finkle Feb. 14, 2005 in Walton.
Surviving are his wife, Rita; son Robert; three granddaughters; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his daughter Alice Kohnken; and three sisters: Grace, Jeanette, and Doris; and brother, Gary.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. followed by a service at 1, all at the Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock.
Burial will be in Orange Hill Cemetery, Athens, Pennsylvania, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 at 12 noon.
Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock.
